Bannan Would Welcome Blackpool Return

Barry Bannan has admitted that he would be delighted to go back on loan to Blackpool next season as opposed to being a regular in the reserves.

The 20 year old has recently signed a contract extension with the Villa so there's no indication he is unhappy at B6, just simply that he enjoyed his first team action whilst away and if he's unable to break into the first team properly, or be considered for the first team next season his progress would be better aided by returning to the Seasiders.

In an interview with the Blackpool Gazette the little Scot said:

'We'll see what happens in pre season, if it doesn't work out then I'll have to look at other options, maybe a loan move again. Blackpool would be one of the top options if I was going to come out again.'

Bannan adds that the Seasiders made him feel very welcome, that he made some good friends and he describes Holloway as being 'absolutely brilliant' with him which would make a loan return so attractive to him.

Comments

Cant blame young Barry for expressing his desire to be playing regular first team football. Playing for the reserves week in/week out would now be a backward step in his career, and he's at an age now where he needs to be pushing on. As krfeskivilla suggests, he could expect Europa League football should he remain at Villa Park, but would he consider that enough? I like him, always have done, since I first saw him performing at Bodymoor Heath. He's a very talented footballer, who looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Hopefully that future will be at Birmingham B6, but clearly next season will be a very important campaign for him. If he has to go back out on loan to Blackpool or wherever, then good luck to him.

Well if he's not in MON's plans for this coming season then sending him out on loan is the only option as we don't want our promising youngsters spending this important time of their development getting splinters in their cheeks.

Man U have been doing it for years. I'd try to set up a loan contract that gets him first team footie with a recall option if he's not playing regularly so that we can make sure he gets as much footie as possible. I'd do the same with Albrighton and Weiman if they aren't going to get a shot at the first team on a regular basis

Strange one this. I don't think he was a regular in the starting line up at Blackpool. However he will get more first team opportunity there than with Villa. I know we don't like to knock our own kids, and I haven't seen enough of him, but if he can't get a regular start for Blackpool, does he have any chance of a career with us?? As I said, I don't know, but it seems like a fair question to ask.